Low Pod/tripod

Alan · #1 (**permalink**) 09-04-2006, 01:27 PM

Has anyone seen or had any experience of the Kirk Low Pod. Might be usefull for those low down shots when a beanbag isn't stable enough or when you want to use a cable release for low down macro work.

Not sure if I would buy one, I think I'd make one up from Steel/aluminiun bar and attach a tripod head to this. I've included the info below.

From warehouseexpress.com website:

'Kirk Low Pod helps with macro shots and more!
One look at Kirk's unique Low Pod Mount and you know how helpful it will be for macro closeups in the field. You can easily mount any type of tripod ball head with a 3/8-inch thread on this rugged aluminum base. The convenient carry handle helps you move about quickly, and three rubber-covered feet keep the mount stable on rocks and other uneven surfaces.
Low Pod for use with ball heads. 3/4" Thread
PO-1 Kirk Low Pod £89.95'

Boddie · #2 (**permalink**) 09-04-2006, 01:30 PM

Yep 90 boys for a tripod that does not look that technical seems a bit steep to me. Suppose it may have its uses.

Alan · #3 (**permalink**) 09-04-2006, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boddie

Yep 90 boys for a tripod that does not look that technical seems a bit steep to me. Suppose it may have its uses.

This is the cheaper model! The Low Pod2 is £109.

Ollie · #4 (**permalink**) 09-04-2006, 01:46 PM

No doubt a decent piece of equipment for those with deep pockets but wouldn't consider it myself at that price.
Ollie

Kev Lewis · #5 (**permalink**) 09-04-2006, 03:57 PM

I've played with one with a view to buying one but when you add a ball/socket head to it it isnt very low anymore, it is well built and I would say value for money but not that versatile. For most of my ground level work I either use a beanbag or the Manfrotto 055Prob tripod and short centre column. The legs on the 055 splay right out and get the head down to a good level or if I want the camera kissing the ground I mounted the centre column upside down

Alan · #6 (**permalink**) 09-04-2006, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klewis

I've played with one with a view to buying one but when you add a ball/socket head to it it isnt very low anymore, it is well built and I would say value for money but not that versatile. For most of my ground level work I either use a beanbag or the Manfrotto 055Prob tripod and short centre column. The legs on the 055 splay right out and get the head down to a good level or if I want the camera kissing the ground I mounted the centre column upside down

I agree with you on that Kev.

I think you could adapt the idea though by turning the base into a kind of mini sledge (could easily be made out of wood). This could then be used for damp/waterlogged ground, or on a beach/mudflat etc, or even over snow. The idea being that you could slide your camera foreward in stages. This would be especially useful for Seals, were you have to move very slowly in stages and keep very low, so as not to alarm them - no more soggy beanbags or sinking tripods!

John D · #7 (**permalink**) 09-04-2006, 06:16 PM

Seems very pricy. With a bit of DIY a similar gadget could be made for very much less. Wouldn't be difficult!

Kev Lewis · #8 (**permalink**) 09-04-2006, 06:18 PM

Alan: thats called a teatray :-) and much much cheaper lol

Alan · #9 (**permalink**) 09-04-2006, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klewis

Alan: thats called a teatray :-) and much much cheaper lol

Don't spoil my Heath Robinson fun Kev, though now you mention it, just think! tea and buttered scones while shooting images of seals. Now that's what I call doing it in style

Kev Lewis · #10 (**permalink**) 09-04-2006, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan

Don't spoil my Heath Robinson fun Kev, though now you mention it, just think! tea and buttered scones while shooting images of seals. Now that's what I call doing it in style

Count me in Alan, I'll bring the jam and cream

ps the more I think about the teatray the more I like the idea for use with seals on the sandbanks just bolt a tripod head to it and it would be very stable

Alan · #11 (**permalink**) 09-04-2006, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klewis

Count me in Alan, I'll bring the jam and cream

ps the more I think about the teatray the more I like the idea for use with seals on the sandbanks just bolt a tripod head to it and it would be very stable

Yep we just need a Waiter and we're away!

pete-c · #12 (**permalink**) 11-04-2006, 08:40 PM

How about an old fashioned beanbag you can't get much lower than that either in height or price.

Pete

FungiJohn · #13 (**permalink**) 11-04-2006, 09:39 PM

Very expensive in my view ... Money far better spent on another lens or a weekend at clumber

I use a 'POD' for all my ground macro shots. Price approx £10

Plus remote shutter release!

John

nightshade · #14 (**permalink**) 12-04-2006, 09:03 AM

How about this one http://digitalphotography.weblogsinc...timate-tripod/
The bean bag is one of the best supports,but I did once own a rifle-stylestock to use with a long lense (when a 500mm was actually that long!) I could use this in the prone position,with a full set of tubes and a 135mm lense along with 2 flash guns on a boomerang boom

Alan · #15 (**permalink**) 12-04-2006, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FungiJohn

Very expensive in my view ... Money far better spent on another lens or a weekend at clumber

I use a 'POD' for all my ground macro shots. Price approx £10

Plus remote shutter release!

John

Whats' a 'POD' John? One of them mini tripods?

Alan · #16 (**permalink**) 12-04-2006, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nightshade

How about this one http://digitalphotography.weblogsinc...timate-tripod/
The bean bag is one of the best supports,but I did once own a rifle-stylestock to use with a long lense (when a 500mm was actually that long!) I could use this in the prone position,with a full set of tubes and a 135mm lense along with 2 flash guns on a boomerang boom

Yeah my first SLR - when I was about 15, came as a kit with one of those. It was called a Zenith Photosniper. Wasn't much good for wildlife though, when you pulled the trigger to release the shutter, it sounded like someone banging a dustbin lid down... CLONK!

Beangags are ok but gett soggy on sandbanks/waterlogged ground. I also find them a bit awkward for manual focusing, as I find I have to put my hand over the top of the lens - which invariably seems to scare wildlife if your not wearing gloves or not in a hide. Just one of my little querks I guess - but I'm like that!

ask digi

pete-c · #17 (**permalink**) 12-04-2006, 12:15 PM

lan

Try putting a bin liner underneath .

Pete

pete-c · #18 (**permalink**) 12-04-2006, 12:20 PM

Alan

A pod is like a small beanbag about 6ins dia and 3ins thick wit a mounting screw on top,not much good for a long lens or heavy camera. Are sold in Jessops.

Pete

nightshade · #19 (**permalink**) 12-04-2006, 12:54 PM

I remember the photosniper,the stock was ok it was the horrible triangular mirror and shutter that made the noise.
I made my stock to suit myself and it was far superior, the whole set up looked like a bullpup,and included a bipod and tripod bush it was snapped up at a car boot sale by a local wildlife photographer

life through a lens · #20 (**permalink**) 13-04-2006, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pete-c

Alan

A pod is like a small beanbag about 6ins dia and 3ins thick wit a mounting screw on top,not much good for a long lens or heavy camera. Are sold in Jessops.

Pete

There are actually 3 models of the Pod and one of these is designed for use with SLR cameras. Not used one though so couldn't say how stable it would be with a long lens but even 2 at £20 each works out cheaper.

Olly